[LTC LPN 2006]

I've worked as a LPN in a Nursing home for exactly 4 months (as of tomorrow). LPNs get a 10 month crash course in nursing and I've gained a wealth of knowledge while on the job, but know I have much to still learn.

With that said, my facility is asking me if I'd like to be trained by their corporate office to be their wound care nurse. I was the only one who has shown any interest in it so far. I would love the training, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the responsibility. I also don't know what type of liability this would be for myself knowing I'm a new nurse and taking on that responsibility for our facility.

Anyone know anything about regulations on this? Any experience with it?? Any advise or recommendations, etc. would be greatly appreciated!!!

[cougarnurse]

If the facility's Corporate is willing to train you, I know they will be up on all the regulations, etc. I am my facility's TX/QA nurse, and have our Corporate's consultant come in on a regular basis to keep me on top of things.

I would say go for it; the main objective is the prevention of wounds, and identifying those that are at risk.

'Cat'

[SoldierNurse]

I agree with Cat, GO FOR IT! Anytime you have an opportunity for [paid] training to make you more valuable in your nurse practice is no brainer, IMHO. Plus, gaining more knowledge in wound care is very, very valuable.

Regards to liability, always practice within your nurse practice act of your state nursing board.

[LTC LPN 2006]

:houra: :houra: :houra:

Today was my first day as "Wound Care Nurse"... as I suspected, this may be a teach yourself position, but so far I'm loving it. I'm sure I haven't seen the whole picture of all that it will entail but I'm so excited right now. I can't even really explain it.

I worked before as Bookkeeping/Personnel at a different nursing home and really enjoyed being a Department Head... of a department of 1. I think this will be similar. I feel like it will give me so much more power to make a difference and the freedom to control my own day and do things my own way.

The best part though I think is I can go back to a more normal life style and not work 3rd shift any more! It is such a weird feeling that it is dark out and I will be going to bed in a few hours instead of going to work.

I will miss working with my residents though every night. I'm a little teritorial and don't like that someone will be replacing me. I truely care about my residents and will miss some of the nightly moments I routinely shared with them.

[SoldierNurse]

:soexcited:

Glad you decided to take the wound care nurse position. Keep us posted!

[cougarnurse]

Any questions, don't hesitate to PM me; I am the TX/QA nurse, and it is a learning process. You expand on sooo many other aspects of LTC life.

'Cat'

[LTC LPN 2006]

Cat -
Sent you a PM about a week ago. Not sure if you noticed
Well time to get ready for work... going in for PMs today to work on my 100% Skin Audit of all the residents.
Thanks for all the help!

[cougarnurse]

Good luck! Will PM ya back...am thinking, albeit slowly. Recert. is up this week, or so we've heard....... :frustrated: